Production Manager in Pontefract

The Flavour Network are partnering with a well-established food manufacturing business to recruit an experienced Production Manager. This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on Production Manager with a strong background in food manufacturing to take ownership of a busy production operation. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading production teams, driving operational performance, maintaining the highest standards of food safety and quality, and meeting production targets in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Working closely with the Factory Manager and cross-functional departments, as Production Manager, you'll play a key role in improving efficiency, developing your team, implementing continuous improvement initiatives, and ensuring the site consistently delivers outstanding service to its customers. This position offers genuine responsibility, autonomy, and the opportunity to make a significant impact within a growing business.

• Lead and manage daily production operations to ensure customer orders are delivered safely, on time and to specification.
• Drive production performance through effective planning, labour management and resource allocation.
• Lead, coach and develop Production Supervisors and production teams.
• Monitor productivity, yields, waste and operational KPIs, implementing improvements where required.
• Ensure full compliance with food safety, quality and legal requirements.
• Maintain HACCP systems and promote a culture of food safety throughout production.
• Ensure the site remains audit-ready, maintaining standards required for BRCGS, customer and regulatory audits.
• Work closely with Technical, Engineering, Planning and Commercial teams to support new product launches and continuous improvement projects.
• Coordinate production activities alongside maintenance to minimise downtime and maximise efficiency.
• Manage staffing levels in line with operational requirements and budgets.
• Identify training and development opportunities to build capability and succession within the department.
• Produce accurate production reports and KPI data for senior management.
• Promote Lean Manufacturing, 5S and continuous improvement initiatives throughout the operation.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety, Environmental and Company policies at all times.
• Deputise for the Factory Manager when required.

• Proven experience in a Production Manager or Senior Production leadership role within the meat processing, butchery or meat manufacturing industry (essential).
• Strong understanding of food safety legislation, HACCP and quality management systems.
• Food Safety Level 3 (minimum) | HACCP Level 3 (minimum).
• IOSH Managing Safely qualification would be advantageous.
• Excellent people management, coaching and leadership skills.
• Strong commercial awareness with experience managing labour costs, productivity and operational performance.
• Experience working with production KPIs, reporting systems and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving abilities.
• Confident using Microsoft Office and production reporting systems.
• Able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• A leadership role with genuine autonomy and responsibility.
• Ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities & a supportive senior leadership team.
• Opportunity to influence operational improvements and continuous improvement projects.
• Stable, long-term permanent position within a successful manufacturing business.

If you're an experienced Production Manager who enjoys leading people, driving operational excellence and continuously improving manufacturing performance, we'd love to hear from you.